'Pull together so we can have meaningful Christmas' - Taoiseach

The Taoiseach Michael Martin said tonight that 'if we pull together over the next six weeks, we will be able to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way', writes Brian Byrne. He was addressing the nation as he announced that the whole country is going into a Level 5 lockdown until the end of November.

"It won't be the same Christmas that we have enjoyed in years past," he said, noting that it will be a 'poignant' occasion as we remember those who have not made it through the pandemic. "But if we do what is asked for us for a period of six weeks, we will suppress the virus, and we will emerge from this."

Outlining the headline items of the Level 5 restrictions, he said the schools must be kept open, and the fact that they are is due to the great work of the schools' management and staff and all who work in the school system. He noted that construction is an 'essential' work and will continue, as will 'most' manufacturing. He also said that until there is a vaccine, the country will have to live with closing and reopening the economy.

The Government will be providing enhanced financial supports to people and businesses during the course of the lockdown, he announced.

"We the people are much stronger than we realise," the Taoiseach concluded. "These are the toughest of times, but we will persevere and we will come through this together."

The full range of Level 5 restrictions is published on gov.ie.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy